CBD has been used for a while by a wide number of people for a wide amount of reasons. Today, I will talk you through some of the most common reasons people use CBD.
Pain Relief
Marijuana's use for pain relief dates all the way back to 2900 B.C when it was used by the Ancient Chinese. Recently, scientists have found that there are certain components in cannabis, one of them being CBD, that helps with relieving pain.
The body contains a system of receptors called the endocannabinoid system, which is involved in many of the body's functions like sleep, appetite and pain. The body produces cannabinoids, which bind to the cannabinoid receptors in the nervous system.
Studies made by the National Institute of Health have found CBD may help to reduce chronic pain by impacting the endocannabinoid receptor activity, decreasing inflammation and interacting with the neurotransmitters. One study in rats discovered that injecting CBD reduced pain response to surgical incisions, while another study gave rats oral treatment of CBD, which reduced sciatic nerve pain (the nerve running from the hip to the feet) and inflammation.
Human studies have also been done with CBD. These have found that a combination of CBD and THC is effective against arthritis and multiple sclerosis pain. One study of 47 people suffering from multiple sclerosis investigated the effects of Sativex, a popular CBD oral spray, for one month. Participants found improvements in their pain and walking and muscle spasms, though the study did not have a control group. Another study of 58 rheumatoid arthritis sufferers found Sativex improved pain during movement and rest.
Anxiety and Depression
According to the World Health Organisation, depression is the largest contributor to worldwide disability, with anxiety ranked 6th. These illnesses are usually treated with pharmaceutical drugs, though these can cause a number of side effects such as drowsiness, insomnia and sexual dysfunction. CBD Oil has been shown to treat both depression and anxiety without the pharmaceutical side effects, leading many people to become interested in it.
In a study, 24 social anxiety sufferers were given either 600mg of CBD or a placebo before they had a public speaking assessment. The group that has the CBD felt significantly less anxious and more comfortable than the people given placebos.
Seizures
CBD's effect on seizures was first discovered through the story of Charlotte Figi, a girl who suffered from Dravet's Syndrome, a rare but severe form of epilepsy. This got to a point where she was having seizures 300 times a week before, as a last resort, Charlotte's parents tried medical marijuana. The number of seizures dramatically dropped, now only getting the seizures 2-3 times a month.
Tests continue into this, including one study of 214 people with epilepsy. They were given 0.9 to 2.3 grams of CBD oil per pound, and their seizures reduced by an average of 36.5%.
Cancer-Related Symptoms
CBD can even help with cancer related symptoms like nausea and pains. One study looked at the effects of CBD in 177 people with cancer-related pain. Those with an extract containing both CBD and THC experienced a significant pain reduction compared to people who just take THC.
CBD may be able to help people suffering from chemotherapy related nausea and vomiting. A study of 16 people going through chemotherapy found that a combination of CBD and THC in a mouth spray helped to reduce chemo related nausea better than normal methods.
Some test tube and animal studies have been done, including one that found that concentrated CBD caused cell death in human breast cancer cells, as well as stopping the spread of aggressive breast cancer cells in mice. These studies were done on animals and test tubes however, so they cannot be completely trusted. More research is needed to see if this works on humans.
Acne
Acne is a common skin condition that affects more than 9% of the population. Some studies have shown that, due to its anti-inflammatory properties, CBD can help treat acne.
One test-tube study found CBD oil prevents the sebaceous glands from secreting excess sebum, applying anti-inflammatory actions and preventing the activation of pro-acne agents. Another study found too that the anti-inflammatory effects of CBD can help treat acne.
These studies are not conclusive however, as they have not been tested on humans yet.
Other Benefits
- Antipsychotic Effects - Some studies have shown that CBD can help people suffering from schizophrenia and other mental disorders by reducing psychotic symptoms.
- Substance abuse treatment - CBD has been shown to modify the circuits in the brain related to drug addiction. In rats, it is shown to reduce morphine dependance and heroin seeking behaviours.
- Anti-Tumor Effects - In animal studies, CBD has been shown to prevent tumour growth in the breasts, colon, lungs, brain and prostate.
- Diabetes Prevention - Studies with diabetic mice have found CBD reduced the incidence of diabetes by 56% and also significantly reduced inflammation.
Now you should know the positive effects of CBD on the body. Pick up some CBD today, and have a nice day!